Mount Dora is preparing to notify 19 property owners that they may be required to connect functioning septic systems to a public sewer under Florida Statute 381.00655, starting a 365-day deadline. City estimates the cost at about $20,000 per property — roughly a $7,795 sewer impact fee plus about $12,000 for permits and plumbing. The city offers a payment plan for city-billed permit charges (up to two years), but private plumbing costs are not covered. Officials are exploring grants and the affected list may change.
Mount Dora Homeowners Face Roughly $20,000 to Hook Up Working Septic Systems Under State Rule
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Homeowners in Mount Dora, Florida, who currently rely on functioning septic systems have been told they may still be required to connect to a public sewer — and the city estimates the cost could run about $20,000 per property.
Why This Is Happening
Under Florida Statute 381.00655, owners of working septic systems have 365 days to connect to a public or investor-owned sewer after receiving written notice that a sewer is available. Mount Dora expects to mail those notices on Sept. 30, which would begin the one-year deadline for affected properties.
Who Is Affected
Officials initially reviewed roughly 90 properties tied to Wastewater Plant No. 1. That list has been narrowed to 19 properties, and city staff say the number could drop further after additional checks. A separate group of about 92 properties served by Wastewater Plant No. 2 could face the same requirement in the future, but Plant No. 2 currently lacks permitted capacity; an expansion is estimated to be completed by 2030.
Estimated Costs And What They Cover
The city’s estimate for each property is roughly $20,000. That figure combines a $7,795 sewer impact fee with an approximately $12,000 estimate for permits and private plumbing work. Actual costs will vary by site based on distance to a sewer line, lot slope and other site-specific factors.
"If you don't have $20,000, you're not gonna magically have it in the next year," said Mount Dora resident Mikayla Dolnack.
Payment Options And Gaps
Mount Dora says homeowners are responsible for the sewer impact fee, while permit-related charges will be billed through the city. Those city-billed permit charges may be placed on a payment plan split into equal monthly installments for up to two years. However, private plumbing work — which could make up a large portion of the roughly $12,000 estimate — is billed separately and is not included in the city's payment plan.
"Adding fines to a situation that already is costing people more money is just gonna add to the issue," said resident Dominick Dolnack.
Penalties And Financial Help
Property owners who fail to connect within 365 days could face administrative fines from the state and the Department of Health; the city has not specified possible fine amounts. City staff are exploring potential grant or assistance options — a Sept. 15 City Council packet indicates officials are actively reviewing what help might be available.
Broader Context
This local issue reflects a wider set of sewer and septic challenges across the U.S., including risks from sea-level rise, multi-billion-dollar septic remediation efforts in places like Cape Cod, and disputes over utility fees and sewer expansions in multiple states.
What Residents Should Do: Homeowners on the city’s list should verify their status with Mount Dora utilities, review any notices carefully when mailed, get multiple bids from licensed plumbers, and ask the city about the breakdown of city-billed vs. private costs and any available assistance programs.
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